Did Phil Collins contribute more to Paul McCartney's Press To Play than many fans realize?

In this highlight from my conversation with author Luca Perasi, we explore the fascinating connections between Phil Collins and McCartney's 1986 album Press To Play. From Phil's officially credited performances to the possibility that his influence may be heard elsewhere on the record, this is one of the most intriguing stories behind one of McCartney's most misunderstood albums.

Listen to the full interview with Luca Perasi for a deeper dive into the making of Press To Play, the Hugh Padgham collaboration, and the album's lasting legacy.

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

XTC's 1986 album Skylarking is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the decade, but its creation was anything but smooth.

Author Alfredo Marziano joins me to discuss his book XTC: Skylarking – A Life in a Day: The Making of a Pop Classic. We explore the legendary creative clash between Andy Partridge and producer Todd Rundgren, the stories behind songs like "Dear God," "Grass," and "Earn Enough for Us," the album's controversial artwork, and how a record born from tension became a beloved masterpiece.

Was Todd Rundgren the perfect producer for XTC? How did "Dear God" become one of the band's defining songs? And why does Skylarking continue to captivate listeners nearly 40 years after its release?

Find out in this deep dive into one of rock's most celebrated albums.

Purchase a copy of XTC: Skylarking. A Life in a Day: The Making of a Pop Classic (Milestones)

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Visit the L.I.L.Y. Publishing website

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

When Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac, some critics dismissed her as frivolous, overly romantic, and lacking substance.

In this highlight from my conversation with author Rachel Brodsky, we explore the sexist criticism Stevie faced early in her career, why her songwriting was often misunderstood, and how she ultimately proved her doubters wrong to become one of rock's most enduring and respected artists.

This clip is taken from our discussion of Rachel's book Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks.

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Was 'Press to Play' really a failure—or is it one of Paul McCartney's most misunderstood albums?

In this episode of Booked On Rock, I sit down with author Luca Perasi to explore the fascinating story behind McCartney's 1986 album Press to Play. Drawing from extensive research and interviews with key figures involved in the project, Luca examines the album's ambitious blend of cutting-edge 1980s production, experimental songwriting, and classic McCartney melodies.

We discuss the album's troubled reputation, McCartney's creative partnership with Eric Stewart, the influence of producer Hugh Padgham, the impact of Live Aid and the Michael Jackson catalog controversy, and why Press to Play may deserve a major reappraisal. If you're a Paul McCartney fan—or simply curious about one of the most debated albums of his solo career—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Purchase a copy of Paul McCartney: Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Sound (Milestones)

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Visit Luca Perasi's YouTube channel PaulMcCartneyMusicIsIdeas

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What can Stevie Nicks teach us about creativity, love, independence, spirituality, resilience, and survival?

Author Rachel Brodsky joins me to discuss her book Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks. We explore the wisdom Stevie gained throughout her remarkable life and career—from her early days chasing musical dreams, to overcoming addiction, navigating heartbreak, embracing change, trusting intuition, and becoming one of rock's most beloved and enduring icons.

Along the way, we discuss Stevie's beliefs about destiny, guardian angels, creativity, truth-telling, independence, and why her lessons continue to resonate with generations of fans.

Rachel Brodsky is a music journalist whose work has appeared in SPIN, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, and other major publications.

Purchase a copy of Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks

Enter To Win A Copy Of Lessons & Lace through Goodbooks

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Could The Clash have reunited?

In this Booked On Rock highlight, author Pat Gilbert discusses why he believes a Clash reunion may not have been far off when Joe Strummer passed away in 2002. As the author of Passion Is a Fashion: The Real Story of The Clash, Gilbert spent years researching the band and interviewing its members, giving him a unique perspective on the group's final chapter.

Was the legendary punk band's story truly over, or was a reunion beginning to take shape? Listen as Gilbert explores one of the biggest "what if?" questions in rock history.

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

The Clash exploded onto the London music scene in 1976 and quickly became one of the most influential bands in rock history. But behind the revolutionary songs, political passion, and global success was a story filled with creative tension, personal conflict, and difficult choices that ultimately changed the band's future.

In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Pat Gilbert discusses the expanded 50th Anniversary Edition of Passion Is a Fashion: The Real Story of The Clash. Drawing on interviews with all four classic members—Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon—Pat reveals how The Clash rose from the punk underground to become one of the most important bands of their era, and why their remarkable journey was both a triumph and a tragedy. Topics include:

• The new material added to the 50th Anniversary Edition
• The differing perspectives of the band's members
• The Clash's explosive arrival on the London punk scene
• Why their political message resonated with fans
• The band's greatest achievements and biggest struggles
• The legacy of Joe Strummer and The Clash today

Purchase a copy of Passion is a Fashion: The Real Story of the Clash - Revised and Updated 50th Anniversary Edition

Visit Pat Gilbert's website

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Wilko Johnson wasn't just a guitarist—he was a force of nature.

Long before punk exploded in the late 1970s, Wilko Johnson and Dr. Feelgood were tearing up stages with a raw, high-energy sound that would influence countless musicians. With his distinctive choppy guitar attack, intense stare, and relentless stage presence, Wilko created a style that was entirely his own.

In this episode highlight, Mark Wilkerson, author of Pub Rock (Genre: A 33 1/3 Series), dives into the story of Dr. Feelgood, one of the most influential bands of the pub rock movement, and examines how Wilko Johnson helped change the course of rock music. 

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Pub rock may not be as well-known as punk or new wave, but its impact on rock history is impossible to ignore. Emerging in the UK during the early 1970s, pub rock rejected the excesses of glam and progressive rock in favor of a raw, back-to-basics approach that brought musicians and audiences closer together. In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Mark Wilkerson discusses his book Pub Rock (Genre: A 33 1/3 Series) and the vibrant scene that helped reshape the future of popular music.

Mark explores the origins of pub rock, its key artists—including Dr. Feelgood, Brinsley Schwarz, and Kilburn and the High Roads—and how the movement laid the groundwork for punk, new wave, and countless bands that followed. Discover why this short-lived but influential genre remains one of the most important and overlooked chapters in rock history.

Purchase a copy of Pub Rock

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

Why is Live Evil still one of the most controversial live albums in heavy metal history?

In this highlight from Booked On Rock, author Chris Sutton breaks down the legendary tension surrounding Live Evil and the collapse of the original Dio-era lineup of Black Sabbath. From accusations of secret late-night remixing sessions to criticism over the album’s production and crowd sound, Chris explores how mistrust between Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice turned a live album into a full-blown band war.

Chris Sutton is the author of Black Sabbath: The Dio Years (On Track Shorts), which explores the albums, songs, and legacy of one of Sabbath’s most celebrated eras.

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe

What happens when Ozzy Osbourne leaves the biggest heavy metal band in the world?

In this episode highlight, author Chris Sutton explores the uncertain period when Ronnie James Dio stepped into Black Sabbath and completely changed the band’s future. Chris discusses his first impressions of the Dio lineup, whether Sabbath could have survived without Ozzy, and the long-running debate over whether Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Dio should have continued under the Black Sabbath name at all. The conversation also dives into the impact of Heaven and Hell, the chemistry of the new lineup, and why the Dio era remains one of the most passionately debated chapters in rock history.

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The Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” by Crowander / “Last Train North” & “No Mercy” by TrackTribe